Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of the most popular Greek islands for tourists. With its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Zakynthos has something for everyone. But when it comes to tipping, you may wonder how much to tip and who to tip in Zakynthos. Here are some tips on tipping etiquette in Zakynthos and Greece in general.
Tipping in restaurants and tavernas
When you dine out in Zakynthos, you will find many restaurants and tavernas serving delicious Greek cuisine. Whether you opt for a traditional dish like moussaka or souvlaki, or a more international fare like pizza or burgers, you will likely enjoy your meal and the service. But how much should you tip your waiter or waitress?
Tipping in Greece is not expected or obligatory, as service workers are paid and insured. However, if you receive excellent service, you can leave 10% of the total bill as a gratuity. For taxis, a 5-10% tip is usually acceptable. You do not need to tip porters or bellhops at hotels, unless you want to show your appreciation.
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Some guide books may tell you that restaurant bills already include a 17% service charge, but this is not true. What you may see on your bill is a cover charge or a service charge of around 1 euro per person, which covers bread and non-bottled water. This is not a tip and you can still leave some extra cash if you want to.
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Most Greeks would just leave a couple of euros on the table or round up the bill to the nearest 5 or 10 euros. For example, if your bill comes to 27 or 28 euros, you could simply round it up to 30. If your meal cost was 35 euros, you could leave up to 40 euros in total, especially if you had great table service or you had some wine or dessert on the house.
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If you are visiting an upscale restaurant, you might want to check if tips are already included in your bill. You can always add a tip to your debit/credit card, but cash is preferred. A banknote would look more appropriate than coins in this case.
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Tipping in cafes and bars
Zakynthos has plenty of cafes and bars where you can enjoy a coffee, a drink, or a snack. Whether you are relaxing by the beach, exploring the town, or partying at night, you will find many options to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. But do you need to tip at cafes and bars in Zakynthos?
Generally speaking, tipping at cafes and bars is not as common as in some other countries. However, if you’ve had great service leaving a small tip is always appreciated.
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If you had a coffee at a coffee place in Zakynthos, you could round up to the nearest euro, or just drop a few coins in the tip jar by the till. For example, if your coffee cost 2.50 euros, you could pay with 3 euros and leave the change.
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In bars and clubs in Zakynthos, tipping is even less common. You can simply pay what is on your bill or round it up slightly. For example, if your drink cost 6 euros, you could pay with 7 euros and leave the change.
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Tipping other services
Besides restaurants and cafes, there are other services that you may use during your stay in Zakynthos that may deserve a tip. Here are some guidelines on how much to tip for different services in Zakynthos.
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Taxis:
Tipping taxi drivers in Zakynthos is not mandatory, but it is polite to round up the fare or leave a small tip of 5-10%. For example, if your taxi ride cost 12 euros, you could pay with 15 euros and leave the change.
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Hotels:
Tipping hotel staff in Zakynthos is not expected, but it is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for good service. You do not need to tip porters or bellhops at hotels unless they go out of their way to help you with your luggage or other requests. You can tip them 1-2 euros per bag or per service. You can also tip your housekeeper 1-2 euros per day or leave a lump sum at the end of your stay.
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Tours:
Tipping tour guides and drivers in Zakynthos is not required, but it is a good way to thank them for their knowledge and professionalism. You can tip them 5-10% of the tour price, depending on the length and quality of the tour. For example, if you join a half-day tour that costs 40 euros per person, you can tip your guide and driver 2-4 euros each.
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Spas and salons:
Tipping spa and salon staff in Zakynthos is not customary, but it is appreciated if you are happy with your treatment or service. You can tip them 10% of the price or round it up to the nearest 5 or 10 euros. For example, if your massage cost 50 euros, you can tip your therapist 5-10 euros.
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Conclusion
Tipping in Zakynthos and Greece in general is not a strict rule, but a matter of personal choice. You can tip as much or as little as you want, depending on your satisfaction and budget. However, tipping is always a nice way to show your gratitude and appreciation for good service. A small tip can make a big difference for someone who works hard to make your stay enjoyable.
Remember to tip in cash and in local currency whenever possible, as this will save you money on currency exchange fees. If you want to save even more money on foreign transactions, get the Wise debit card. With Wise, you can spend and send money around the world at the real exchange rate, with no hidden fees. Learn more about Wise and get your card online today.
